Shinyanga Regional Cooperatives Assistant Registrar, Kakozi Ibrahim, speaking at the 30th General Assembly of the Shinyanga Regional Cooperatives Association SHIRECU (1984) Ltd, stressed the importance of cooperatives being run using modern digital and commercial systems.

In his opening speech at the 30th General Assembly of the Shinyanga Regional Cooperative Association (SHIRECU 1984 LTD), held today at the SHIRECU hall, Ibrahim made it clear that the Cooperative Development Commission (TCDC) insists on cooperatives having bank accounts in the Cooperative Development Bank, and encourages the use of digital systems to improve the performance of such associations.

He said the direction of cooperatives in the country must change to provide opportunities for these associations to operate commercially, increase productivity, and contribute more to the national economy.

"We want to see cooperatives run commercially, and no longer rely solely on basic services. Cooperatives must be strong and have the ability to do business to support their members. All income generated by cooperatives is public property, the members," said Ibrahim.

Ibrahim said cooperatives must increase their efforts in producing crops and investing in economic projects in order to have acceptable contributions.

He urged that cooperative members not sit around and complain, but instead use the resources they have to improve their economic conditions.

"SHIRECU has grown over a long period of time, but we must move away from the old habits of not dealing with agricultural products. We should not sit and complain, we have the resources and strength to do business successfully," said the Assistant Registrar.

Speaking about collaboration with stakeholders, Ibrahim said cooperatives must collaborate with commercial stakeholders.